GST Council imposes 18% tax on caramelised popcorn, Nirmala Sitharaman memes surface
The GST Council confirmed no changes to popcorn's tax rates during its 55th meeting. Pre-packaged popcorn is taxed at 12%, caramelised at 18%, and unpackaged popcorn at 5%. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman explained the rationale behind these distinctions, tied to preparation and properties. Social media exploded with memes mocking the complex taxation system.
Enjoy movies with a bucket of popcorn might take a heavy hit on your pocket depending on your choice of popcorn. The GST Council confirmed the tax structure on popcorn during its 55th meeting on Saturday, declaring that there will be no changes to the current rates. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman outlined the rationale for GST rates during the meeting.
She remarked, "Salted, caramelised, plain popcorn is offered as namkeen in some states. Caramelised popcorn contains extra sugar, hence the treatment rate differs from namkeen.
This government is completely clueless and useless. Different GST rates for different popcorn flavours. Most important thing for the country.
¡ª D.Muthukrishnan (@dmuthuk) December 21, 2024
They are yet to remove GST on term and medical insurance, despite demand from public for a long time. pic.twitter.com/9REopYriZK
Pre-packaged and labelled ready-to-eat foods, such as popcorn, are currently subject to a 12% GST. Meanwhile, caramelised popcorn has a higher rate of 18%. The GST rate for unpackaged and unlabelled popcorn mixed with salt and spices is 5%.
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) will soon release a circular to provide additional clarity on these tax issues. The council underlined that the tax distinction stems from the diverse properties and preparation methods of popcorn.
People on the internet started a Nirmala Sitharaman meme-fest
The announcement generated a flurry of humorous memes on social media, with users displaying their inventive interpretations on the GST imposed on popcorn. One user poked fun at the GST Council, uploading a meme depicting the complications of calculating tax on popcorn. Here's what people shared.
If arrogance is Taxed, Nirmala Sitharaman will go Bankrupt!
¡ª Veena Jain (@DrJain21) December 21, 2024
She gave clarification on Popcorn GST in her own style, but why the promised GST reduction on Health insurance is postponed?
Is Healthcare not in Priority list for FM!? #NirmalaSitharaman
pic.twitter.com/p9DaVPzFVE
? 5% GST on Non Pre-Packaged Popcorn mixed with salt & spices
¡ª Gurudath Shetty Karkala (@GurudathShettyK) December 21, 2024
? 12% GST on Pre-packaged and labelled Popcorn
? 18% GST on Caramel Popcorn
If anyone questions this, Nirmala Sitaphalam-G will say ¡°This won¡¯t affect middle class, is popcorn made for middle class?¡± pic.twitter.com/Xp6M2oHz6S
18% GST on popcorn ?
¡ª Ex Bhakt (@exbhakt_) December 21, 2024
18% GST on selling old car ? pic.twitter.com/B3sAsjTS4l
Even Popcorn reaches 18% GST Slab.
¡ª Dr Ranjan (@AAPforNewIndia) December 21, 2024
Next she'll tax air and sunlight.#GSTCouncil pic.twitter.com/xTpIjfkRve
Breaking: Popcorn Ka GST Tadka?
¡ª Rais Shaikh (@rais_shk) December 21, 2024
5% GST for the aam janta,
12% GST for the khaas janta,
18% GST for the elite janta enjoying caramel!
Modi ji even found a way to tax timepass! #PopcornPolitics pic.twitter.com/3iQLN8daFY
How much tax to use this Meme ?#PopcornTax pic.twitter.com/4Yx1dTv7FK
¡ª Rahul (@42pi) December 21, 2024
Suddenly #Popcorn got so much attention #ACTII is so popular without advertisements ??#AgrotechIndia pic.twitter.com/4aN1PYgtb5
¡ª Brajesh Jhawar (@Brajeshjhawar1) December 21, 2024
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